LUIS BENITEZ - THE EASTERN SIERRA AND THE OUTDOOR RECREATION MOVEMENT

Kick off: Kenji Haroutunian is the former director of the Outdoor Retailer Show produced by the Outdoor Industry Association and has seen firsthand the positive impacts of the emerging outdoor recreation movement. A leader in the industry, Kenji will share his insight for how sustainable outdoor recreation can be a strong pillar of a destination’s economic development strategy.

Keynote: Luis Benitez, mountaineer and the director of the State of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, will kick off the Summit with an opening night presentation on the Eastern Sierra’s unique place in the growing outdoor recreation movement. Benitez is a widely respected mountain guide, having scaled the highest points on each of the seven continents a total of 32 times. The first time he summited Everest in 2001, he guided blind mountaineer Erik Weihenmayer.

Visit the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office which provides a central point of contact at the state level for the diverse constituents, businesses, communities and groups that rely on the continued health of the Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry.

SHIFT (Shifting How we Invest For Tomorrow) unites natural allies to the common goal of protecting natural resources. By providing a unified framework for the stewardship of our public lands and waters, we increase the effectiveness of our common efforts.

Have a look at this article from the Outdoor Industry Association: "To ensure the growth and success of the outdoor recreation economy, our public lands and waters need adequate funding to support the recreation infrastructure that is enjoyed by 142 million American outdoor enthusiasts every year."

By 2020, healthcare spending will increase to $1 trillion, and, by conservative projections, 75 million Americans will invest $135 billion in health savings accounts. A bill introduced in Congress late last year would potentially turn more Americans onto outdoor activity by allowing them to use those pre-tax medical dollars for sports and fitness expenditures.